Geralin Thomas Talks About Hoarders on A&E
Series Explores the Problem of Extreme Hoarding and Clutter
A&E has recently introduced Hoarders, a reality series that explores the compulsion of extreme hoarding. Geralin Thomas is a professional organizer on the show who helps people to clear the clutter in their homes. Thomas specializes in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD) who works with hoarders as her profession, as seen in the show.
Hoarders is a series goes into homes of people who have the mental compulsion to acquire and keep possessions, even to the extent of affecting the quality of their lives and their personal and professional relationships. The professional consultants work with the hoarders by helping them to clean out their homes. By the time the professional consultants have been called into the home, the houses are filled with clutter and the situation looks very difficult to get under control.Usually the hoarders do not want to get rid of their stuff, making the cleaning out process very stressful.
Hoarding can affect a person's life and relationships. Hoarders often suffer from a deep sense of shame. They may not feel comfortable inviting guests into their house because of the clutter. Extreme hoarding can affect their relationships, families and friendships. In extreme cases of hoarding the hoarder may be threatened with eviction or the breakup of the family.
Since hoarding is a psychological disorder, it takes more than just clearing out the house. The root problem that caused the hoarding to begin with must be addressed. The professionals are experienced in talking to the hoarders, while helping them to start get their houses under control.
Geralin Thomas recently took the time to answer some interview questions about hoarding and about the A&E series.
Definition of Hoarding
When asked for the definition of hoarding, Thomas offered a list of three components from leading researchers in the field of compulsive hoarding. The three components of extreme hoarding follow:
- The hoarder acquires possessions that appear to have little or no value and is unable to quickly discard them.
- Living spaces of hoarders become so cluttered that parts of their homes can no longer be used for their intended purpose.
- Hoarding causes significant distress and prevents the hoarder from maintaining a normal life
Why have you chosen to help hoarders?
"I am fascinated by the unknown and there isn’t presently a lot of information available about the disorder. It is both exciting and rewarding to help people connect the dots between their belongings, actions and environments. I am especially interested in the acquiring patterns and personal histories of individual hoarder."
What qualifications are need to be a consultant to hoarders?
"There are different types of professionals currently working with hoarders: psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals; professional organizers; and public health workers.Thomas went on to say that is is recommended that the professional be certified in the field and to have specialized training and experience in working with the hoarding disorder"
What personality traits are need to be a consultant to hoarders?
People who work with hoarders must have lots of empathy, excellent communication skills and boundaries. They must also have the ability to remain neutral.
According to Thomas, there is no cure for hoarding, however there are some treatments that may help to manage symptoms.
Hoarders airs on A&E on Monday nights at 10 PM ET.
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Geralin Thomas on Hoarders
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Geralin Thomas on Hoarders
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